Choosing the right foundation for a website can feel like a high-stakes gamble. You need something that is flexible enough to grow with your brand, robust enough to handle modern traffic, and polished enough to make a lasting first impression. The Haswell – Multipurpose One & Multi Page Template by 11Soft is designed to remove that guesswork. This isn’t just a static layout; it is a comprehensive HTML5/CSS3 framework packed with over 134 pages, two premium sliders, and countless customization options. Whether you are a freelancer building a portfolio or an agency launching a corporate site, Haswell provides the tools to create a professional, high-performing web presence without starting from scratch.
Key Features
Haswell is less of a simple template and more of a complete toolkit. The feature list is extensive, but the most impactful elements are those that save you development time and elevate the user experience. Here is a breakdown of what makes this template stand out:
- One & Multi-Page Layouts: The template includes dedicated layouts for both single-page scrolling sites and traditional multi-page structures. This flexibility allows you to match the template to the specific needs of your project.
- Premium Sliders Included: Save money immediately with the inclusion of the Revolution Slider and FlexSlider. These are not free plugins; they are premium tools that allow for stunning, animated hero sections. The package also includes 120+ Revolution Slider templates to get you started.
- RTL Support: For developers working on Arabic, Hebrew, or other right-to-left language sites, Haswell includes a fully functional RTL version. This is a rare and valuable feature that saves significant coding time.
- 18 Layered PSD Files: Designers will appreciate the inclusion of 18 layered PSD files. This allows for deep customization of images and layouts before you even touch the code.
- Mega Menu & Navigation Options: The template offers a staggering variety of navigation styles, including a Mega Menu, a “Hamburger” mini menu, a fullscreen menu, and a sliding side menu. You can also choose between light, dark, and transparent menu bars.
- Working Contact Forms: The AJAX PHP Contact Form includes validation and Google reCAPTCHA integration. This is a functional, secure way to handle user inquiries without relying on third-party services.
- E-Commerce Ready: While not a full shopping cart system, the template includes shop pages and ad blocks, making it easier to integrate with e-commerce solutions or display products visually.
- Newsletter & Social Integration: The template includes a working newsletter form with Mailchimp Integration, as well as functional Twitter and Flickr feeds. These are essential for keeping your site dynamic and connected.
Who Is This For? Use Cases
The “multipurpose” label is often overused, but in the case of Haswell, it is genuinely accurate. The sheer volume of pre-built pages and blocks means it can be adapted to almost any industry. Here are a few specific scenarios where this template excels.
Creative Agencies & Freelancers
For digital agencies, the ability to showcase work is paramount. The responsive filterable portfolio is perfect for displaying a diverse range of projects. The multiple portfolio layouts (masonry, wide, boxed) allow you to create a unique gallery that reflects your creative style. Freelance photographers and designers can use the dedicated photographer and personal pages to create a sleek, professional online resume.
Corporate & Business Websites
Businesses need to convey trust and competence. Haswell includes all the necessary pages for a corporate site: About Us, Services, Pricing Tables, and a detailed Contact page. The parallax sections and on-scroll animations add a level of polish that can help a company appear more modern and established. The inclusion of a Coming Soon and Maintenance page is also crucial for businesses in the pre-launch phase.
Startups & Landing Pages
For a startup, speed to market is critical. The one-page layouts are ideal for creating high-converting landing pages for a new product or service. The integration with Mailchimp allows you to capture leads immediately, while the countdown timers and coming soon pages build anticipation before a launch. The variety of header styles lets you A/B test different navigation approaches easily.
Bloggers & Content Creators
Content is king, but presentation is the crown. Haswell includes multiple blog layouts, including an Ajax Masonry Blog that loads new posts smoothly via infinite scroll. This creates an engaging reading experience that keeps visitors on the page longer. The timeline pages are also a great way to present a company history or a personal journey in a visually interesting format.
Technical Details & Compatibility
Under the hood, Haswell is built on a solid technical foundation. It is powered by Bootstrap, ensuring a responsive grid system that works flawlessly across tablets and phones. The code is valid HTML5/CSS3 and is cross-browser compatible, meaning it will render correctly on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
The template is retina ready, so images and graphics will look sharp on high-resolution displays. It includes touch, swipe, and tap support for all elements, which is essential for mobile usability. The developer, 11Soft, has maintained the template with regular updates. The changelog shows recent updates in October 2023 that focused on updating PHPMailer and adding support for PHP 8+, ensuring the contact forms remain secure and functional on modern server configurations. The code is also commented, making it easier for developers to navigate and modify.
Pros and Cons
No product is perfect, and a transparent review should acknowledge both strengths and potential drawbacks. Here is a balanced look at what you can expect from Haswell.
Pros
- Exceptional Value: At $17, you are getting over 134 pages, two premium sliders (valued at $14), and 18 PSD files (valued at $10). The combined value far exceeds the asking price.
- Versatility: The range of layouts, from corporate to personal to e-commerce, is staggering. This is a template you can use for multiple projects, not just one.
- Complete Package: It’s not just a design; it includes functional elements like a working AJAX contact form, Mailchimp integration, and social feeds. This saves days of work.
- Long-Term Support: With over 2,660 sales and a changelog showing consistent updates since 2015, 11Soft demonstrates a commitment to keeping the template current and secure.
- SEO Optimized: The clean code and semantic structure provide a solid foundation for search engine optimization.
Cons
- Not a CMS: This is an HTML template, not a WordPress theme. If you are not comfortable editing HTML/CSS, you may find it challenging to manage content without a content management system.
- Images Not Included: The demo images are from stock sources and are not part of the main download. You will need to source your own images, which is standard for HTML templates but adds to the setup time.
- Feature Overload: For a simple project, the sheer number of options and files can feel overwhelming. It may take some time to strip it down to just the elements you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Haswell template compatible with WordPress or Joomla?
No, Haswell is a pure HTML5/CSS3 template. It is not a WordPress theme, Joomla template, or Drupal theme. It is designed to be edited directly in a code editor or with a visual HTML editor like Dreamweaver. However, the clean, commented code makes it relatively straightforward for a developer to integrate into a CMS if they have the necessary skills.
Does the Haswell template include the Revolution Slider plugin for free?
Yes, the Revolution Slider is included in the purchase price. This is a significant bonus, as the Revolution Slider plugin is typically sold separately for around $14 on CodeCanyon. The package also includes 120+ pre-designed slider templates, which can be imported and customized to fit your content.
What are the server requirements for the contact form to work?
The contact form is powered by PHP and uses PHPMailer to send emails. The latest update (v. 2.6) added support for PHP 8+, so it is compatible with modern hosting environments. You will need a web server with PHP installed (version 5.6 or higher, ideally 8.0+) and the ability to send emails via the mail() function or SMTP. The documentation includes instructions for setting up the form to use SMTP for more reliable delivery.
Final Verdict
The Haswell – Multipurpose One & Multi Page Template is a robust and reliable choice for anyone needing a professional website quickly. It is a testament to 11Soft’s skill that this template has remained popular since its initial release, with over 2,660 sales proving its lasting appeal. The combination of a vast page selection, premium plugins, and detailed documentation makes it an exceptional value at $17. While it requires a basic understanding of HTML to customize fully, the payoff is a unique, fast-loading, and SEO-friendly site that stands out from the crowd. If you are ready to build a website that looks like it cost thousands of dollars, downloading Haswell is a smart investment in your digital presence.
